We sat down with Headwaters Economics Policy Director Chris Mehl to find out what this could mean for our economy. He says Yellowstone is a huge economic driver for Bozeman, Jackson and Cody, especially on an annual basis.
"Considering the timing, it’s probably the least bad news that you’re going to have. Easier for me to say than a concessionaire in Cody, Wyoming," says Mehl.
Mehl says visitors are the main economic driver for many gateway communities, spending money at restaurants, hotels and gas stations and with fewer visitors.
"You’re no longer having those jobs supported if they’re not spending, the companies in Wyoming not hiring in April, they delay it or they don’t have as many for the whole year," says Mehl.
But there’s more. He says uncertainty of how long the delay could last might deter folks looking to make travel arrangements.
"How many will cancel entirely? How many won’t come now? How many will delay? We don’t know," says Mehl.…